Direct Diode Laser Module for Ophthalmic Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmologic laser treatment systems are not portable and efficient for delivering pulsed laser energy, particularly in the visible green wavelength range, and require complex setups that hinder parameter adjustments during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A portable laser module that electronically pulses a diode in the millisecond to microsecond range based on user-input parameters, using a user interface to control micropulse duration, interval, and peak power, with an LED driver converting power supply to laser current and a power monitor adjusting energy output to maintain peak power, suitable for ophthalmic laser treatment systems like body-mounted LIO, table-top LIO, and photocoagulation laser probes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a laser console with multiple components (power source, drive systems, user interface, activation devices) is used to deliver laser energy, then the laser can provide sufficient output power and precise parameter control, but the system becomes large, complex, and non-portable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the laser diode, driver circuitry, control logic, and power management into a single integrated module. The driver is directly coupled to the laser diode, eliminating the need for separate laser consoles, fiber optic cables, and external control systems. This integration maintains sufficient laser output power while dramatically reducing system complexity and improving portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated laser module serves multiple functions within a single device: it generates laser energy, controls pulse parameters (duration, interval, peak power), manages power supply, and provides user interface capabilities. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components while maintaining the required performance levels.
2Power
If a laser console positioned on a cart or table is used, then sufficient laser power can be delivered, but the doctor must physically move the console or have an assistant make parameter changes during procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated laser module is self-contained with all control functions built-in, allowing the operator to adjust parameters directly at the patient's side without needing to return to a remote console or require an assistant. The module autonomously manages all laser operations including parameter changes during the procedure.
3Illumination intensity
If frequency doubled solid state lasers with diode pump sources are used to produce visible green laser output, then pulsed laser energy can be delivered in the 520-615 nm wavelength range, but the system size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential laser generation function by using direct diode lasers that emit in the visible green range (495-580 nm), eliminating the need for frequency doubling crystals and complex solid state laser cavities. This approach achieves the required wavelength output with a much more compact diode-based structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical and optical complexity of frequency doubled solid state lasers with a simpler direct diode laser system. The diode laser directly converts electrical current to laser light at the desired wavelength without requiring mechanical adjustment of optical components or frequency conversion mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables more efficient and portable delivery of pulsed laser energy in the visible green range, reducing system size, complexity, and cost while maintaining high output power, allowing for precise control of laser parameters during treatments.
Implementation Method 1
One or more diodes of the laser module produce the pulsed laser energy in a visible green wavelength range
Implementation Method 2
A portable laser module that electronically pulses a diode in the millisecond to microsecond range based on user-input parameters
Data Source
AI summary
A laser module produces pulsed laser energy in a wavelength range of 495-580 nm based on duration, peak power, and interval parameter information. An envelope timer controls the total duration of all micropulses based on the duration and interval parameters via a pulse-width modulated (PWM) output to a micropulse timer, which in turn outputs a PWM micropulse signal. A light emitting diode driver outputs a laser current through a diode based on the micropulse signal and a dimming signal to produce the pulsed laser energy. The integrator compares a signal corresponding to a detected power level of the laser energy to a signal corresponding to the peak power parameter and outputs the dimming signal. The resulting micropulse durations are in the range of 50 to 300 microseconds for periods of about 2 milliseconds, with a duty cycle ranging from 5 to 15%. The overall pulse parameters are duration from 10 microseconds to 1.5 seconds, with periods of any value. The pulsed laser energy is delivered by ophthalmologic laser treatment devices to an eye of a patient.